No fewer than 18,000 farmers in Ogun State have benefited directly from the Federal Government and Ogun State Government’s Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), an initiative supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
The Acting State Coordinator of the Programme, Mrs. Abiola Adewole-Sobukola, disclosed this in Abeokuta after a two-day inspection tour of facilities provided under the scheme in Ijebu East, Ijebu North-East, Odeda, and Yewa North Local Government Areas. She was accompanied by the VCDP Knowledge Management and Communication Officer, Mr. Ibikunle Faneye.
According to her, the interventions go beyond farmers to impact entire communities, covering:
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Training on best agronomic practices
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Subsidised inputs and improved rice and cassava varieties
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Establishment of processing centres
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Matching grant support
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Construction of solar-powered boreholes, culverts, bridges, and market stalls
“These interventions have reduced cassava production costs, improved yields, and helped stabilise food prices in local markets,” she explained.
Mrs. Adewole-Sobukola noted that cassava yields had increased from an average of 8–12 metric tonnes per hectare to 25–35 metric tonnes, adding that the programme was carefully structured to ensure farmers, processors, and off-takers all benefit equitably.
“This initiative is designed to sustainably enhance the incomes and food security of poor, rural households engaged in cassava and rice production, processing, and marketing,” she said.
During the tour, community leaders and beneficiaries attested to the programme’s impact:
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Hon. Badejo Foluso, Chairman of Ijebu North-East Local Government, described it as “a life-changing intervention with significant impact on people’s livelihoods.”
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In Odeda, Mr. Yusuf Kazeem, Secretary of the Mutual Success Cassava Processing Cluster, praised the cassava processing centre, solar-powered borehole, and culvert, noting they had greatly reduced farmers’ workload.
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Similarly, in Yewa North, Elder Eweoba Timothy, Managing Director of the Ayeroro VCDP Cassava Processing Factory, confirmed that farmers’ productivity and income had increased substantially, thanks to the new facilities.
The VCDP continues to strengthen the cassava and rice value chains across Ogun State, creating opportunities for farmers, processors, and rural communities.
Beyond the immediate benefits, the programme is a bold step towards ensuring food security, reducing poverty, and positioning Ogun State as a hub for agricultural transformation in Nigeria.
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